This is the official blog of The OC Gazette, Orange County's "Everything local" Magazine. Within the following pages you'll find insights into the nooks and crannies of all the things our local culture has to offer. Enjoy, friends.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Praise the popsicle and water balloon gods: Summer is officially here. And one of my favorite shows, Wipeout, has finally returned. So, whether you've just wrapped up a long, hard school year, are anticipating how you will entertain your kids for the next 90 days, or are just looking for some different daycation ideas - we've got you covered. Check out these upcoming, family-friendly, local events going on in your neck of the woods.

[Blast Zone rendering]

1. Boeing Rocket Lab - Opening July 2nd

Blast off with Discovery Science Center as they open their first permanent exhibit inside the 8,000 sq. foot iconic Orange County cube (you can't miss it off the 5). The new permanent exhibit includes the Blast Off Zone (an actual RS-68 rocket engine is suspended inside the cube), Air and Water Rockets (you may get wet), and Rocket Fuel and Nozzle Chamber exhibits (learn what happens when liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen combine).

[Boeing Rocket Lab construction, photo by Jere Greene]

“Boeing Rocket Lab is the first phase in the Space Exploration Gallery, a six-million dollar expansion project that will further Discovery Science Center’s mission of engaging guests science, technology, engineering and math principles through interactive, hands-on exhibits,” says Joe Adams, President, Discovery Science Center. “The cube is an icon of Discovery Science Center, and this amazing exhibit was the perfect choice to answer our most asked question, ‘what’s inside the cube?’"

2. Kids Restaurant Week - June 27th through July 3rd

The kids are out of school and it's time to kick off summer! Feed a family of four for $20-$40 (lunch) and $30-$60 (dinner) at some of OC's greatest restaurants. Be sure to check out the restaurant list; Kids eat free at many participating restaurants! "The Orange County Restaurant Association, Inc. has released the final list of restaurants and menus for Orange County's first-ever Kids Restaurant Week, focused on celebrating dining out as a family. Scheduled for Sunday, June 27 - Saturday, July 3, families throughout the county will have the opportunity to enjoy delicious and fun family dining at OC's best restaurants. During the weeklong inaugural event, participating restaurants will feature special dining deals, such as family-style prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner, while others will offer Kids Eat Free. A portion of the proceeds from the week's food sales will benefit Share our Strength (www.Strength.org) to support in ending childhood hunger."

Also, check out the FREEKids Week launch event on Saturday, June 26th from 12-4pm at The District in Tustin. Includes delicious food, give-a-ways, live music, raffles, bounce houses, and more!

3. "A Taste of Greece" - June 25th through June 27th
Check out this three-day, traditional Greek festival, complete with food, wine, and music: "Orange County’s 32nd annual “A Taste of Greece” festival will be held at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church in Irvine. "A family-friendly affair, the festival will be lined with boutique shops, a variety of games and a full-scale carnival. Event attendees can also enter an opportunity drawing for the chance to win a 1st prize of seven days in Athens, Greece (hotel and airfare included for two); 2nd place prize of a 47-inch hi-definition television; 3rd place prize of a Dell laptop computer; or 4th place prize of $500. Funds raised will support various organizations, including an orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico and a soup kitchen in Albania."

4. Great Park Balloon - Thursday through SundayFREE, year round helium balloon rides at the Orange County Great Park! Soar over 400 feet in the air (depending on weather conditions). "The Great Park Balloon is one of the largest tethered helium balloons (not hot air) and the first of its kind in the United States. It is environmentally safe, non-polluting, and virtually silent. The Balloon is always tethered to the ground with a steel cable and is never in a state of free flight, making it both a safe and fun experience for everyone." Fun for the whole family. Try it day or night!

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About The OC Gazette Magazine

The OC Gazette is a free local Orange County, CA magazine that reaches 100,000 homes. We're dedicated to music, art, entertainment, community, people - in short, everything local. Visit our website at www.theocgazette.com, and look for The OC Gazette magazine on newstands or in your mailbox. This blog is dedicated to all the things concerning Orange County, and features things that we couldn't fit in the magazine, be they notes, thoughts, reader feedback, or local happenings. So check back often for updates!
Note: these are opinions, not facts. Enjoy, friends.